He is teaching me what love His way looks like! I’ve had a distorted view of love. I didn’t turn to God's word, instead I looked to the world's view of love and relationships. I am so thankful God loves me enough to open my eyes and allow me to see through His.

Eight weeks ago our True Spirituality group met for the first time on a Monday night. Little did any of us know how God would work in our lives and our hearts when we started this study. We shared our concerns and our burdens and prayed for one another. As the weeks passed, we saw many prayers answered and witnessed the grace of God in a mighty way. One member found a job after being out of work for quite a while. Another member's brother would be diagnosed and treated for a lung infection that caused him to become very ill. He is doing much better now. Yet another member’s son walked away from an accident without any major injuries to speak of. We rejoiced with one member after some property sold and the deal was final.

As for me, I had never dreamed that I would be diagnosed with cancer.

I had moments of grief … but didn't question God. I knew I wasn't above and beyond any illness that anyone else could find themselves dealing with. I was sad for my children mostly. When the time came for church I spotted my sisters in Christ from our True Spirituality study. I motioned for them to join me and I shared the news with them. We prayed together and then they listened while I babbled about my fears and concerns for my family. They listened patiently and then they both encouraged me.

It was the prayers of those ladies and my faith that got me through the next five days. I busied myself with task I knew I could accomplish before my doctor's visit. When the day arrived I found myself nervous and anxious. I didn't know what to expect. I was traveling down a path that I would not choose for myself and there was no way out. There was no place to hide. I suppose I could have cancelled my appointment and went on as if nothing had happened but that would be me with a mask and I wouldn't have experienced authentic community.

Eight weeks ago our True Spirituality group met for the first time...as the weeks passed, we saw many prayers answered and witnessed the grace of God in a mighty way.

I went through the tests and one by one they came back negative! I did have to have surgery and I am now recovering at home, slowly. A couple of ladies in my group sat with my husband while I was in surgery and they also brought meals to my house. They were truly living out authentic community. They were meeting my real need in a real and practical way. What a blessing they were to us!

As we wrapped up our Romans 12 study and met for the last time we talked about those answered prayers and how God had demonstrated his amazing grace in each circumstance. We also talked about how our hearts had changed and we didn't want to let the desire fade into busyness. I know that my heart is changed and some of the ladies also shared how their hearts had changed through this study and God's word. I think for me it is in found in John 13:34-35 which says: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."